Employment
Why Join the ADGs?
Imagine doing a job that's worthwhile and important to the nation's security. A job that you are doing not just for the money. Well, being an Airfield Defence Guard or Ground Defence Officer is such a job. If you want the best training, are up to the challenge, and are willing to go beyond the call, then you may have what it takes to be an Airfield Defence Guard or Ground Defence Officer.
General benefits
- Accredited training
- Travel
- Great gym and sporting facilities
- Accommodation and travel discounts
- Low interest loans
- Education assistance
- Legal assistance
Part-time service benefits
- Tax-free pay
- High readiness pay bonuses
- Flexible training program
Joining Options
Airfield Defence Guard or Ground Defence Officer? Full-time or part-time?
There are two employment options, serving as an Airfield Defence Guard or as a Ground Defence Officer, either full-time or part-time. Becoming an ADG or Ground Defence Officer is not easy but, if you are seeking a challenge and want to get paid for a job well done, call 13 19 01 or visit the Defence Force Recruiting website.
Airfield Defence Guard
Airfield Defence Guards are non-commissioned members of the Air Force who provide the specialist ground defence force required to protect the Air Force's aircraft, infrastructure and personnel against attack by enemy ground forces.
Related links
Joining as an Airfield Defence Guard (Defence Force Recruiting)
Ground Defence Officer
Ground Defence Officers are leaders whose primary duty is to defend Air Force airfields, assets and personnel from ground attack. They play a key role in decison-making and tactical planning. Additional responsibilities may include:
- Planning the conduct of operations and training exercises in conjunction with unit executives
- Advising base commanders on ground defence policy
- Training base personnel to defend Air Force assets in accordance with ground defence policy and the Base Defence Plan
- Combat survival continuation training
- Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence training
- Land search and rescue teams
- Control of the base armoury and small arms range.
Related links
ADG Typical Day
A day in the life of an ADG not on deployment may involve:
- 0700 - Morning Parade - commence work
- 0700-0900 - Physical training
- 0900-1130 - Training can vary and may include:
- theory lessons
- weapons training
- range practice
- field exercises and training
- 1120-1230 - Lunch
- 1230-1500 - Continuation of training completed earlier
- 1500-1540 - Clean and pack up equipment used throughout the day
- 1540-1600 - Receive orders for the next day
- 1600 - Stand-down
ADG Physical Fitness
Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy!
Nothing could be more true when we say that Airfield Defence Guard training and subsequent employment is physically demanding. That's why it pays to be as fit as you can be before you join. ADGs are required to pass and maintain the following fitness standards:
- 2.4km run in under 10 mins (time varies depending on your age)
- 10 chin-ups (full extension)
- 40 sit-ups (feet not held).
Don't worry if this sounds daunting. The Air Force does not expect you to achieve this fitness level upon entry. Expert Physical Training Instructors will help you reach this level by building up your fitness so that you can become an effective member of the Air Force.
Related links
ADG Pay
Airfield Defence Guard pay comprises:
- salary
- service allowance
- uniform allowance
- proficiency bonus (if eligible)
- high readiness bonus (if eligible)
- other skill and location allowances (as applicable).
Full-time members are taxed normally. Part-time service is tax-free.
Related links
ADG Work Locations
Airfield Defence Guards will initially be posted to Airfield Defence Squadrons at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia or RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland. During your career you will have opportunities to be posted to any RAAF base in Australia.
ADGs who join as a part-time member will be posted to a Rifle Flight at a RAAF base in their home state.
ADG Medical and Dental
All Air Force members must meet certain medical and dental standards to be employed. Further information is provided on the Defence Force Recruiting website (see below).
All Air Force members receive free medical and dental treatment as a benefit of serving.
Related links
ADG Conditions of Service
Airfield Defence Guard conditions of service cover:
- age and sex
- citizenship
- education
- security
- medical and physical fitness
- aptitude.
Related links
Airfield Defence Guard conditions of service (Defence Force Recruiting)
Air Force careers FAQ (Air Force)
Remuster and inter-Service transfers
Current members of the Australian Defence Force can apply for a remuster or inter-Service transfer to become an Airfield Defence Guard or Ground Defence Officer.
For further information, please e-mail ADG Recruitment providing the following details:
- Name
- Current rank
- PMKEYS number
- Service
- Unit
- Current position
- Phone numbers
- Postal address
- Reason for seeking a transfer
- Advise whether you are seeking a Full or Part Time position
Overseas Candidates for ADG
ADG Recruiting Information for Serving or Former Members of Foreign Military Forces Only
(Non-Australian citizens or non-permanent resident with military experience)
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has limited vacancies in a variety of positions for qualified and experienced serving or former members of foreign military forces.
As vacancies are regularly reviewed, candidates should refer to Defence Force Recruiting to verify what specialisations and musterings the Air Force is currently recruiting and eligibility criteria.
Alternatively, candidates can contact RAAF Lateral Recruitment to obtain further information. Expressions of interest should contain:
- Name
- Postal address
- Nationality
- Phone and fax numbers
- Email address
- Current or previous military force
- Date of birth
- Date of enlistment
- Current rank or rank on discharge (with date of discharge)
- Reason for discharge (if applicable)
- Employment history including training and postgraduate courses completed
- Any other relevant details.
Employer Support Payment Scheme
If you pursue a part-time career as an Airfield Defence Guard, your civilian employer may be eligible for the Employer Support Payment Scheme. Employer Support Payments provide financial assistance to eligible employers to help offset the cost of releasing employees for most categories of Australian Defence Force Service.
Employer Support Payments are paid at a set weekly rate regardless of the employee's salary. There are no restrictions on the way employers can use the money.
Contact the Defence Reserve Support Council on 1800 001 696 to learn more.
